Brewing Methods

Although there are not as many brewing methods
of coffee compared to the different kinds of coffee one
can brew, there are still a sufficient amount
of brewing methods to confuse us. We have some
of the more popular methods, along with some of the more
unusual ways to extract coffee from the bean. Naturally
all coffee enthusiasts have their own favourite brewing
methods to make their ideal coffee, therefore they will
feel that their method would be the best. There are also
many different types of equipment used for
coffee brewing.

Methods Of Brewing Coffee

Turkish

The Turkish coffee brewing method was
used throughout the Middle East and Greece. It is believed to
be the original means of extracting liqueur from coffee beans.
The process is simple and results in a very strong, sweet, and
thick brew that many normal people would find it hard to
consume on a daily basis. As a ritual, the grinding of the
coffee by hand in a special brass grinder is an enjoyable one
after a Turkish or Middle Eastern meal. The coffee is ground,
then places in a hot pot, called an ibrit, with sugar and water
which is later boiled three times. The Turkish coffee is
served in small cups.

Percolator

The percolator method of brewing passes
brewed coffee from a heated reservoir below up through the
grounds above, repeatedly. Although a comforting aroma is
present and an interesting gurgling sound as it boils, the brew
produces is far from soothing. The familiar stainless steel
pot, filled with bubble and brew, is often seen in films in the
1950s. The down side about this coffee that there have been
recent reports that percolated coffee is correlated to
cholesterol.

Drip

This is today's most popular method of
brewing coffee, mainly due to its convenience. Near-boiling
water is poured slowly through the grounds, either
manually through a cone containing a filter, or sprayed
over the grounds by any of the numerous electric drip
machines. Many electrical models come with a timing device
so that people can get their first cup of coffee in the morning
with little or no effort at all. The water temperature must be
kept at 195 F, therefore a useful machine is extremely
important. After the coffee is ready, it is important to
remember to remove it from the "keep-warm" burner to prevent
the coffee from deteriorating.

French
Press

This method is also known as Melior,
after a brand name of a plunger pot. This method utilizes
infusion and pressure. After placing ground coffee in the
beaker, hot water is added to create a coffee "stew". This is
allowed to steep, after which a plunger filter pushes the
grounds to the bottom of the beaker, and the coffee is left at
the top. The French press method produces coffee that allows
more brewing substances to remain in the coffee compared to
other methods that uses paper filters. This is perfect for
people who love to have leftovers in their coffee.

Vacuum

This is one of the showier and more
unusual methods of brewing coffee. The greatest problem about
this method is that the equipment is not readily available.
When the water nears boiling, it is forced up into a glass
chamber with coffee grounds. After all the water is in the
upper chamber, the mixture is allowed to steep and the heat is
turned off. As the temperature decreases, the coffee is sucked
back down to the chamber by the vacuum. It is then served in
two separate pots that is ideal for after-dinner
entertainment.